Japanese Summer

In Seishi Yokomizo's Kosuke Kindaichi series, the detective, with his natural, eco-friendly vibe, investigates erotic and grotesque cases with a human touch, simply and honestly, while ultimately judging the culprit with a hint of kindness.

That balance, or perhaps contrast, is what makes it interesting.

No matter how tragic or gruesome the crime scene, the moment Detective Kindaichi steps into it, the potent poison is neutralized.

The more gruesome the case, the more the Kindaichi healing effect is felt, creating a sense of emotion in the work.

Considering the position of Detective Kindaichi, it is a wonder why Kiyoshi Atsumi was not cast in the role sooner; he is the perfect fit.

His portrayal of Detective Kindaichi is truly excellent.

Without relying on the trademark hakama or scratching his messy hair, he exudes only the essence of the man that is Kindaichi.

Human reactions, compassion, and the severity that stems from them.

Kenichi Hagiwara as Tatsuya, Isao Natsuyagi as Yoshitaka Amako, and Tsutomu Yamazaki as Yozo Tajimi—all of them reek of masculine charm, giving a certain luster to negative emotions like fear, rage, and hatred.

The season is summer, which might be why the scent is even more pronounced.

And Mayumi Ogawa as Miyako, Yoko Yamamoto as Haruyo, and Ryoko Nakano as Tsuruko—sweaty and unbearably feminine and erotic.

With the screen thick with such atmosphere, Yozo Tajimi runs through the cherry blossom trees with his kimono hem exposed, carrying out a silent slaughter.

The brutality is so chilling that I wish the scene would end quickly, yet rather than just feeling a chill, I find myself becoming flushed.

2008-3-15

The Village of Eight Graves / Yoshitaro Nomura

Yatsuhakamura
1977

Director : Yoshitarô Nomura
Writers : Shinobu Hashimoto, Seishi Yokomizo
Composer : Yasushi Akutagawa
Cinematographer : Takashi Kawamata